HD Dealerships back in the 70s and 80s
#11
09-12-2017, 11:33 AM
Extreme HDF Member
When I bought my new '73 XLCH in the fall of '72 there were no more '72's available. The dealer told me "the price is the price." He knew that if I didn't want it someone else did. However, the price was just what Harley suggested. He did throw in a 1/2 helmet and a bubble shield.
For most of the '70's the only way to get a new HD after about June was if your name was Harley or Davidson.
For most of the '70's the only way to get a new HD after about June was if your name was Harley or Davidson.
#12
09-12-2017, 11:34 AM
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Back in the early 70's I test rode both bikes I purchased, a 72 Sportster in 74, and my Shovel in 75. The real difference I experienced was my dealer was a friend to bikers in every sense. Rode with us, actually let me borrow tools to install a part in the shop one afternoon. The showroom floors were hardwood, oil soaked hardwood. The place was great. Counter talk sometimes got risky, unless there were women present. Not many women in the shop, dealer's wife was usually around, but didn't see her much. It felt almost like a clubhouse at times, especially before closing on Saturday afternoon. Every run started in the parking lot. Advice from the wrenches in the shop was free, and those guys could turn a wrench. Their bikes were the best running bikes around. Good times for sure. No food, no fancy clothing. Just black t-shirts and maybe a coke from the coke machine in the corner. Never felt like a customer, felt like a member. I miss those days for sure.
#13
09-12-2017, 11:37 AM
#14
09-12-2017, 11:47 AM
If you needed a painted part that was limited or unpopular, you had a very long wait (maybe next riding season). IIRC, painted parts and side cars came out of Tomahawk, WI. Painting was done by employees, not robots so if your color was not common, they wouldn't mix a batch just for your part. You had to wait until HD felt it was cost effective to fill a spray gun.
#15
09-12-2017, 11:58 AM
Elite HDF Member
'78 hobbled into the dealership on crutches after having a car left turn in front of my Honda . wanted to buy a Low Rider in grey but they only had 1 black one left so i bought it . $6000 out the door (gotta love Canadian HD prices!) picked it up the day after i got my cast off .
test rides ? never heard of 'em . not back then anyway .
test rides ? never heard of 'em . not back then anyway .
#16
09-12-2017, 12:04 PM
Big Kahuna HDF Member
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#17
09-12-2017, 12:14 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
I wish i had a picture of the Harley dealer they had in Memphis before they stated putting in the "Harley boutiques".
MAYBE room for 5 bikes in the "showroom"..never saw a new bike in there..always used. One t-shirt rack with maybe 20 dealer shirts on it..the parts counter took up most of the room...and if you didn't know someone, you would never see the "service department"
The whole place wasn't as big as the clothing dept in a modern dealership.
MAYBE room for 5 bikes in the "showroom"..never saw a new bike in there..always used. One t-shirt rack with maybe 20 dealer shirts on it..the parts counter took up most of the room...and if you didn't know someone, you would never see the "service department"
The whole place wasn't as big as the clothing dept in a modern dealership.
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tar_snake (09-13-2017)
#18
09-12-2017, 12:22 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
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tar_snake (09-13-2017)
#19
09-12-2017, 12:22 PM
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#20
09-12-2017, 12:29 PM
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